How can an Umbrella Company Help with Contracting in Costa Rica?
Most freelance workers aren’t superheroes who successfully tackle these issues all on their own. There are companies who specialise in helping workers make the most out of their contracts.
They’re called Umbrella Companies (or, contractor management companies).
Basically, an Umbrella Company acts as your full-time employer, even though you maintain your independence as a contractor. They collect and filter payments from your clients, filtering out the necessary social security and fees. You send them your timesheets, and they send you payments.
Because they act as your “employer,’ they can sponsor you and provide a single work permit for multiple contracts in Costa Rica. Even better, most are experts in Costa Rica and expat tax law, meaning they’ll also help you optimise your earnings in Costa Rica
Although the Umbrella Company is technically your “employer,” you’re essentially freeing yourself to work even more independently. You still dictate your contracts, your hours, your schedule. The Umbrella Company simply filters out the time-consuming admin and immigration issues, allowing you to focus on your new contract.
Can I Organise My Taxes and Work Permit Myself?
Generally, you need to have an employer sponsor in order to secure the appropriate work permit and work visa for Costa Rica
If you’re working independently, it can be difficult to find clients willing to sponsor you. Moreover, even if your client can do this, you’ll need a new sponsor each time you decide to take on a new contract. Of course, every new sponsor will mean more paperwork.
Also, are you familiar with the intricacies of the tax system in Costa Rica, as well as your own country’s laws on overseas earnings? If so, good on you!
However, if you’re like the rest of us, figuring out (much less reducing) your tax liability in Costa Rica and your home country can seem like full-time work in itself.
A Contractor’s Guide to Taxes in Costa Rica
One of the most consistently challenging aspects of contracting in Costa Rica is complying with the country’s tax system. As well as paying tax in Costa Rica, you might also still be eligible to pay some tax in your home country, and understanding the legislation behind this can be a challenge.
Tax Filing as a Contractor in Costa Rica
Tax Figures in Costa Rica
Tax Residency in Costa Rica
Can you set up your own Limited Company in Costa Rica?
How We Can Help You with Tax in Costa Rica
We work with numerous umbrella companies in Costa Rica, many of whom are experts in tax and immigration laws. If you have any questions about tax in Costa Rica, we’ll get the answers from them directly so you can rest assured you’ll be getting accurate information. We also have a comprehensive knowledge of the different services they provide, and we can help you find the right company to handle your income tax. We help oil and gas workers, software developers, IT project managers, testers, business analysts and telecommunications contractors get tax efficient payments and sponsorship for their Costa Rica work permits. Our advice is 100 per cent free, and it comes with no obligations. You will be paying taxes in Costa Rica but without the overhead of directly dealing with the Costa Rican tax authorities. Get in touch with us today for some reliable advice on tax in Costa Rica!
A Contractor’s Guide to Work Permits in Costa Rica
How Does an Umbrella Company Work?
Most people want to do their work, earn their money and enjoy their spare time without taking on loads of admin in a new country. That is why an umbrella company can help.
When you’re working through an Umbrella Company, you’ll essentially be outsourcing the admin and tax issues to specialists.
While the umbrella company will charge a fee, you’ll likely end up saving more money in the long run: you’ll be able to focus on your work, expertly reduce your tax liability, and comply with all laws and regulations in Costa Rica (which means avoiding fees, fines, or even worse penalties).
How Can We Help You?
There’s a huge variety of Umbrella Companies with different specialities and advantages in Costa Rica. How do you find the right one for your circumstances?
We work closely with Umbrella Companies all throughout Costa Rica and match contractors with the right company for them. If you’ve already secured a contract in Costa Rica, we can help you find your best match (for free). Or, we can simply give you feedback on your situation (for free).
